Issues in Interoperable Structures of Regional Health Information Networks

Organizational Structure Of Rhn

The organizational models of RHN are several and defined by the health care policy makers in each country. The factors that define the models are mostly the provision of high quality health care services along with the financial investment the stakeholders (or the government) can achieve. The most common models –with reference to the financial investment - are the following (Spyrou, Bamidis, & Maglaveras, 2009):

• Non-profit public model: The public organizations are directly connected to the RHN authority which is under its director. The director can be either elected by the RHN authority members or is assigned by the government or the Ministry of Health. The income for the RHN can be benefit from taxes, or grants from hospitals or Ministry of Health or grants from other stakeholders of the RHN.

• For-profit corporations’ model: For-profit organizations may serve the region with medical services, IT services, or other. The for-profit-organizations may receive a return of their investment through payment for the health care services in region. Examples could be insurance companies or other companies that outsource services for the region for example home health care services etc. The stakeholders that participate to the non-profit corporation elect their directors.

• Governmental district or authorities: Local governmental agencies that are settled with the government district authorities and are mostly governed by public officers or local board of advisors. The organizations’ rules and services are described by state laws. The financial investments come from taxes or state’s general fund.